Tahiri encourages new municipal structures to expand cooperation with local actors

Continuing their visits to municipalities, representatives of the KLGI Institute visited the Municipality of Klina, where they were received by the mayor, Mr Zenun Elezaj. During the meeting, the Executive Director of the KLGI Institute, Besnik Tahiri, and Mayor Elezaj discussed developments and challenges in the Municipality of Klina, as well as the next steps for the joint agenda to strengthen the local level.

First, Tahiri congratulated Mayor Elezaj on taking up his new mandate as mayor and offered professional support from the KLGI Institute, given that both the executive and the Municipal Assembly are represented by new structures. In this regard, Tahiri said it is important from the outset to have sustained cooperation and coordination between the two key bodies (the Executive and the Municipal Assembly) so that sustainable development policies can be drafted.

To this end, the project ‘Support for Stronger and Sustainable Municipalities’, supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, which was presented at the meeting, aims to help municipalities build efficient practices of cooperation and coordination, both within and between municipalities. In this way, not only are democracy and oversight strengthened but, above all, the quality of decision-making and citizens’ trust increase.

As for inter-municipal cooperation, Tahiri stressed that it should be used as an efficient tool for administering shared services, including the drafting of strategic development policies. This cooperation can also be an important mechanism for addressing common challenges and opportunities, both with central institutions and with potential investors.

In the area of support for capacity building and technical assistance, through advanced training programmes and mentorships the municipality will have increased capacities for sustainable planning, avoiding ad hoc policies. At the same time, through mentorships it will have the opportunity to advance and integrate good practices in the drafting, implementation and oversight of public policies.

Regarding the role of civil society and young professionals, Tahiri encouraged the municipality, noting that by expanding cooperation with these actors it benefits in several ways: first, public demands are better articulated; second, it widens the scope for professional involvement; and third, it helps increase transparency and accountability.

Finally, Mayor Elezaj welcomed the project, stressing that it is a good opportunity for the new municipal structures that have just taken office to address problems and, together, to explore the best solutions for sustainable development and citizens’ welfare.